Trying to head off QB controversy

Smith: Grossman is Bears' starter

While Bears coach Lovie Smith went public Thursday to support Rex Grossman as the Bears' starting quarterback, general manager Jerry Angelo worked privately to secure Tim Couch as Grossman's backup.

Angelo opened preliminary talks with Couch's agent, Tom Condon, that were described as positive, according to a source with knowledge of the process.

Meanwhile, during a national interview on Sporting News Radio, Smith reiterated his confidence in Grossman and backup Jonathan Quinn.

"Every guy who becomes available, you look at, [but] we like who we have right now," Smith said. "We're not openly pursuing any quarterback. We think we have the guy to lead us in our system right now. Tim is a good quarterback just like [Rams quarterback] Kurt Warner and [ex-Giants quarterback] Kerry Collins. But they're not the fit for us."

Bears officials declined to comment on Couch and were concerned that news of interest in a veteran quarterback would be interpreted as a lack of confidence in Quinn as the backup. Offensive coordinator Terry Shea made it clear internally Thursday that wasn't the case.

But whether it's Couch, Warner or Collins, Bears management seems committed to exploring every avenue to find the best player at each position, especially quarterback. Warner is Rams property until June 1, Collins figures to explore other teams before the Bears might enter the picture, but Couch is there for the taking.

The Browns granted Angelo permission to talk to Couch on Wednesday after he expressed interest in the embattled former No. 1 draft choice.

Couch likely would cost the Bears a mid- to late-round draft pick in exchange. Green Bay had offered a fifth-round choice in the 2005 NFL draft that could turn into a third-round selection under certain criteria.

Green Bay and Couch's representatives have negotiated the last three weeks to restructure the $15.6 million due Couch in the final two years of his contract. The Packers have offered him $3 million over two years, which includes a $1 million signing bonus and a $1 million base salary for each year. Couch has balked, preferring a one-year deal so he could become a free agent next winter if it appears Brett Favre is as durable as ever and plays every game.

A league source said Couch believes backing up Grossman with the Bears would offer him a better chance to get on the field than backing up Favre with the Packers. Grossman's inexperience often is used as the explanation for why a backup job would appeal to a veteran such as Couch or Warner, but Smith doesn't sound worried.

"The guys we want leading our offense, we have them in our system right now," Smith said.

Final mini-camp

The Bears begin their last of three off-season mini-camps Friday. After Sunday, the next time they convene on the field as a full team will be in Bourbonnais in July. The practices are closed to the public.